Banking sector 'in transition period'
In the banking and finance sector, women are still struggling from a lack of visibility, making them less likely to be considered for the top roles, according to associate dean at the London Business School Wendy Alexander.
Speaking to the Financial Times, she cited the recent Hollywood films that featured the financial sector - including The Wolf of Wall Street and Blue Jasmine - where female bankers were nowhere to be seen.
While this may not be a major factor in the ongoing struggle for gender parity in the sector, it is clear that cultural and attitudinal shifts are crucial if women workers are to be given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Stereotypes continue to reinforce the notion that men are better suited to the rough-and-tumble of the trading floor, leaving female finance professionals confined to roles within HR.
"Finance is in a period of transition and there's a lot of soul-searching about how risk is collateralised and managed and about the role of incentives," added Ms Alexander.
Women are beginning to emerge as role models within the industry as firms attempt to change their approach, with the idea of becoming more collaborative and adhering more closely to regulatory frameworks in order to avoid falling foul of stricter legislation.
Early results from business-backed diversity campaign Opportunity Now show that 53 per cent of women aged between 28 and 40 working in the financial services industry feel men earn more than their female counterparts, despite sharing similar levels of expertise and talent. Only 28 per cent feel that pay levels are the same.
Just 29 per cent believe the opportunities to advance are fair and equal between women who have children and those who do not, the organisation found.
Jena Abernathy, senior partner of executive search firm Witt/Kieffer, declared: "If I gave anyone any advice, I would say reach across the table and learn everything about your organisation and take on tough assignments - jobs that give you a cross-functional platform - and take roles that are visible."
Signup to receive the latest discipline specific articles
Related articles
Teaser
Executive SearchContent Type
Market Insight Reports
17/10/24
Summary
There has been a dip in hiring activity for roles below CFO level, however, sizable, international corporations still present unique opportunities for skilled finance directors, often re
by
Tracey Alper
Teaser
LegalContent Type
Market Insight Reports
17/10/24
Summary
The ongoing trends in the legal hiring sector indicate a shift in candidate priorities. In-house candidates are now focusing more on base salary rather than bonuses, and Long-Term Incent
by
Angus Denny
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
Market Insight Reports
17/10/24
Summary
Salary increases are now more consistent, with expected rises ranging from 5-10%, depending on the tenure of their previous role. For instance, a candidate may achieve a larger increase
by
Mark Korevaar
Related jobs
Salary:
£120,000 - £135,000 per annum + Additional Benefits Package
Location:
Widnes, Cheshire
Industry
Consumer & Retail
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£125,000 - £175,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
PE backed on-line retail organisation looking for a CFO based near Widnes paying up to £135,000 with bonus.
Reference
BBBH182213
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Nathan JonesAuthor
Nathan JonesSalary:
£70,000 - £78,000 per annum + £6,600 car allowance and benefits
Location:
Oldham, Greater Manchester
Industry
Manufacturing
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£70,000 - £80,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
FPA Manager role working for a well-established international business paying up to £78,000 + car allowance based in Oldham.
Reference
BBBH181733
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Nathan JonesAuthor
Nathan JonesSalary:
£25,000 - £28,000 per annum
Location:
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Industry
Business Services
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£25,000 - £30,000
Job Discipline
Part Qualified & Transactional Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Marks Sattin are currently recruiting a temporary, part time Finance Assistant on behalf of a well established business, based in East Leeds.
Reference
182260
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Yasmin CloughAuthor
Yasmin CloughSalary:
€64,000 - €83,000 per annum
Location:
Abcoude, Utrecht
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£70,000 - £80,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Financial Controller
Reference
BBBH182269
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Elisa BeckschebeAuthor
Elisa BeckschebeSalary:
£350 - £375 per day
Location:
City of London, London
Industry
Property and Infrastructure
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£350 - £450
Job Discipline
Newly Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
Financial Accountant - 6 month contract - Listed Telecommunications
Reference
BBBH182264
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Maria GonzalezAuthor
Maria GonzalezSalary:
£50,000 - £60,000 per annum
Location:
England
Industry
Technology
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£60,000 - £70,000
Job Discipline
Data Protection & Privacy
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Senior Data Engineer
Reference
BBBH182249
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Ghazal MayahiAuthor
Ghazal MayahiSalary:
£550 - £600 per day
Location:
London
Industry
Investment Banking & Capital Markets
Qualification
None specified
Market
Financial Services
Salary
£350 - £450
Job Discipline
Treasury
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
Liquidity Risk & ALM Analyst (6-Month Contract) A growing London-based Securities Broking Firm | £550-600/day via umbrella| Hybrid Flexible Working
Reference
BBBH182263
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Paul RocheAuthor
Paul RocheSalary:
£25,000 - £28,000 per annum
Location:
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Industry
Real Estate
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£25,000 - £30,000
Job Discipline
Part Qualified & Transactional Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
Marks Sattin are currently recruiting a temporary Finance Assistant on behalf of a business based in East Leeds.
Reference
BBBH182260
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Yasmin CloughAuthor
Yasmin CloughSalary:
£50,000 - £55,000 per annum
Location:
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Industry
Business Services
Qualification
None specified
Market
Financial Services
Salary
£50,000 - £60,000
Job Discipline
Tax
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
.
Reference
BBBH182256
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Aleksandra TaranovskajaAuthor
Aleksandra TaranovskajaSalary:
£450 - £500 per day + Via Umbrella
Location:
City of London, London
Industry
Insurance
Qualification
None specified
Market
Financial Services
Salary
£350 - £450
Job Discipline
Tax
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
We are recruiting for an interim International Tax Controller to join an international insurance broker.
Reference
BBBH182253
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Deem NaPattaloongAuthor
Deem NaPattaloong